Z31 Brakes

Are the Z31 brakes the same as the vg30 S12? I did some research on the forum and read about guys doing this upgrade. I was just wondering what parts are required for this upgrade and if the stock 15 inch rim can be used with the z31 brakes? How much better does the car brake after the upgrade?

I can't say as Australia didn't get the VG30 s12, you'd have to go to the VG30 section and ask those guys. All non turbo and pre 88 turbo Z31's all had
274mm rotors, so if they don't know off hand just ask if someone with a VG30 s12 wouldn't mind measuring their front rotor diameter to see if its around the 274mm. If it is then they'd have Z31 front brake setup.

yeah they are the same brakes

Are the Z31 brakes the same as the vg30 S12? I did some research on the forum and read about guys doing this upgrade. I was just wondering what parts are required for this upgrade and if the stock 15 inch rim can be used with the z31 brakes? How much better does the car brake after the upgrade?

yes they are and are a great upgrade for the ca powered guys

But what about those of us who don't want 5-lug wheels? I've got too many spare S12 wheels to be swapping to a 5-lug...

But what about those of us who don't want 5-lug wheels? I've got too many spare S12 wheels to be swapping to a 5-lug...

you can get the brakes and rotors/hubs off the na z31 which is a 4lug just like ours

Okay now that I know that I can make a final update for US people wanting to fit Z32 4 spots without going to coilovers.

Use the VG30e s12 struts, and the Z32 4 spot calipers will bolt straight up to them:

Rotor Choices:

Original s12 VG30E rotors, (nb the calipers will clear the hub face, I've seen it done). If you want to keep the original VG30e rotors you can, but you must make up steel spacers to go behind your brake pads, you use the Z32 pad as a template, and get them laser cut. If using non turbo Z32 calipers, spacers would need to be 2mm thick, if using Z32 turbo calipers you need 4mm spacers)

Z32 rotors. To use Z32 rotors you will need to get Z31 turbo 88 -89 hubs(this year model NB "turbo only", uses slip on rotor type hubs like the Z32, but on our style struts). Then the Z32 rotors will go straight on. This is the best option I believe.
Heres a link on the Z31 site that explains it:

http://z31.com/brake.mods.shtml

If using non turbo Z32 calipers, spacers would need to be 2mm thick, if using Z32 turbo calipers you need 4mm spacers
In the U.S. - only the very early 89/90 Z32 non turbo used the smaller calipers. Mid 90+ Z32 non turbos used the same caliper as the Twin Turbo. Also note that 93+ Z32's switched from an aluminum caliper to an iron caliper, therefore, the early 90-92 aluminum calipers are the ones to find because of their lighter weight.